complement 1 of 2

Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

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2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

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complement

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
Hosta’s spreading habit complements the elegant, upright shape of hydrangeas. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2026 The broad leaves of tricolor sage complement rosemary’s needle-like foliage, while adding a shifting array of color including gray-green, creamy white, and purple-pink highlights. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
Her glam complemented the outfit perfectly. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026 Touches of Thai style, like curries on the breakfast menu, complement only-in-Kyoto features like green tea from their own farm in Wazuka-cho. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
Noun
  • There is no magical food or supplement that can transform an average athlete into a superstar.
    Dr. Sarah Kinsella, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, they are typically now found in supplements, tinctures, teas, powders and functional foods – often combined with other ingredients like caffeine, vitamins or additional herbs.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The core of Pauley’s lawsuit centers on City Auditor Marc Shaw, who served in an interim capacity before being appointed to the permanent role last month.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Brown pointed to ongoing concerns in his district about road capacity and infrastructure needs, including efforts to expand NC 160 in the fast-growing Steele Creek area.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • VeryFirstTo founder Marcel Knobil purchased two diamonds worth over $35,400 to adorn the chocolate bunny’s eyes, contributing significantly to the final price tag.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • VeryFirstTo founder Marcel Knobil purchased two diamonds worth over $35,400 to adorn the bunny’s eyes.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But traffic volumes remain at a fraction of pre-war levels, with an average of 20 million barrels of crude oil and products transiting through per day in 2025.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Sales volume also dipped slightly, with 750 homes sold this February compared to 761 last year.
    Chase Jordan April 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Barco notes that Lightsteering redistributes existing light instead of demand- ing more, enhancing contrast and brightness without consuming more energy (and adding to energy bills).
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the Dallas suburb of Hutchins, a real estate company confirmed that it was contacted about one of its properties but wouldn't sell or lease any buildings to DHS for use as a detention facility.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Lew Sichelman has been covering real estate for more than 50 years.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Only Apollo 13 completed a full free return, and that was forced by not knowing the status of the service module's engine after a mid-flight explosion.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Thanks to a meticulous $15 million renovation completed in 2020, the rooms and suites received a welcome facelift.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Each room is decorated with antiques and architectural salvage that’s been collected over the years, adding a little personality to the modern space.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The stunning views extend into the guest rooms, each of which is decorated with simple wooden furniture and has windows that open onto the salty air and the sound of crashing waves.
    Akash Kapur, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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